The Fight Against Corruption at a Crossroads: What Hindered Progress and the Future of Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Bodies
The activities of Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies currently face serious challenges due to a combination of internal and external factors, greatly weakening their effectiveness and capacity to combat corruption.
The main issue stems from legislative changes and attempts to dismantle key reforms concerning the powers of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).
These modifications, coupled with decreased independence and political pressure, have created obstacles that impede efforts to uncover and prevent corrupt practices.
During the annual YES conference in Kyiv, SAP Head Oleksandr Klymenko highlighted that governmental efforts have not only slowed down the work of these institutions but, at certain points, have led to their complete paralysis.
This has resulted in interrupted cooperation with whistleblowers and witnesses, complicating the restoration process.
Experts warn that the current situation raises significant concerns, as many obstructions remain unresolved, hampering anti-corruption initiatives.
Meanwhile, NABU Director Semen Kryvonos stressed that in order to boost effectiveness, political pressure must be significantly reduced, and attacks on institutions curtailed.
A comprehensive roadmap has been developed for reform implementation and risk mitigation, but political interference remains an ongoing challenge.
Protecting procedural independence and maintaining high standards of work are crucial for public trust.
Kryvonos emphasized that only the head of SAP should have the authority to initiate criminal cases against lawmakers suspected of corruption, whereas presently such powers are restricted.
Legislative changes, approved under pressure, which considerably diminished the independence of anti-corruption agencies and sparked protests across Ukrainian cities, have fueled public concern.
Nevertheless, acting under public pressure, the Verkhovna Rada passed a new law restoring full powers to NABU and SAP.
However, questions remain regarding the sustainability and independence of the fight against corruption, casting a shadow over the future development of these key institutions.